Canadians heading to Sochi for the Olympics will face new restrictions on what they can take with them to their seats.
According to the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) no liquids, aerosols, gels and powders will be allowed in carry-on baggage on direct flights from Canada to Russia.
CATSA says the only exemptions relate to anything that is medically-necessary or food or drink for a child under two.
Duty free items will also be exempt if they are placed in an official security bag.
READ MORE: Authorities arrest man suspected of trying to hijack plane to Sochi
“The safety and security of Canadians remains a priority for the Government of Canada,” said Marie-Eve St-Hilaire, a spokesperson for Transport Canada, via email.
“Based on recent information, Transport Canada is taking precautionary measures by temporarily banning all liquids, gels, aerosols, and powders … The department will continue to monitor and assess the situation closely, and make adjustments when necessary,” she said.
The move follows warnings from the U.S. regarding the potential for terrorists to smuggle explosives or explosive devices aboard flights bound for Russia.
On Wednesday, the U.S. Homeland Security warned airlines that terrorists might attempt to smuggle explosives hidden in toothpaste tubes onto planes bound for the country hosting the Olympics.
The Winter Olympics experienced its first security scare Friday after Turkish security forces detained a man for making a bomb threat in an attempt to hijack a flight to Sochi, Russia, where the Games opened under tight security.
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